Tuan, Ty, Binh, Tan were all born into working-class families and left school early to make a living. Just because of curiosity and impulsive nature, everyone gets entangled in legal trouble. The story started around September 2023, through the social network Facebook, Tuan ordered a roller gun, revolver and 6 bullets for 4 million VND. Without using the account, Tuan gave 4 million VND to NNQ (born in 1999, living in the same commune) to transfer money to the account number contacting the gun sale transaction (identity and background unknown). When checking to receive the gun, Tuan lost one bullet and quietly took the gun home to hide it.
The following month, Tuan told Ty about the gun purchase and even showed him the gun. After watching, returning home, feeling “regretful”, Ty asked Binh to call Tuan to ask if he could borrow a gun to try shooting. Binh drove the car to meet Tuan, took the gun and brought it back, receiving a “remuneration” of 30,000 VND. On October 14, 2023, Ty and Binh brought the gun to an open area in Tan Hiep hamlet (Vong The commune) to test shoot. He held the gun and fired one shot, the bullet exploded. While shooting, Binh used Ty’s phone to record a video.
The four defendants confessed their actions in court
After shooting, Ty took the gun home and hid it in the closet. The next day, he returned the gun to Tuan. After shooting a real gun for the first time, showing off the video and being cheered on by her friends, Ty felt excited. Two days later, Ty continued to ask to borrow a gun and invited a few more friends to go to a deserted area in Tan Hiep hamlet. Here, Ty continued to fire 2 shots, the bullets both exploded, the shooting process was filmed by his friends. The loud explosion was heard by people living near the area.
After that, Ty took the gun home to hide it, and on October 22, 2023, returned it to Tuan. Tuan checked and found there were 2 bullets and 1 shell casing. Needing money to spend, around 9:00 p.m. the same day, Tuan brought the gun to Tan Hiep A village (Oc Eo town) to “pawn” it to Tan, taking 200,000 VND for use. Tan hid the gun inside a broken kettle.
On October 23, 2023, the Police Department investigated the Police Thoai Son district received information from the masses about Tuan’s illegal storage of military weapons, so he invited Tuan to work. Conducting an emergency search of Tan’s residence, the force confiscated a gun, 2 bullets, 1 shell casing and 19 plastic wraps containing 7.8376 grams of Methamphetamine-type drugs, so an emergency detention order was issued. for Tan to investigate and clarify illegal drug trading.
On the same day, Ty confessed to the act of borrowing Tuan’s gun, hiding it, and using it many times. According to the assessment conclusion of the Criminal Science Sub-Institute in Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City, the seized revolver was a hand-made gun with a smooth barrel, used for shooting with 5.6 x 15.5mm sporting bullets. Currently, the gun has all the parts and can shoot explosive bullets, belonging to military weapons. Using a gun to hit a person’s body can cause injury or death. From November 2, 2023 to January 26, 2024, Tuan, Ty, Tan and Binh were prosecuted for investigation.
At the first instance trial, the defendants confessed to the crime in accordance with the testimonies of the people involved, witnesses, expert conclusions, seized evidence and documents in the case file. According to the Trial Council, this is a serious case. The defendants’ actions directly violated the administrative management order in the field of military weapons management, military technical means and social order and safety in general.
In particular, defendant Tuan had the act of buying guns for illegal storage; loaned the gun to Ty, hid it and used the gun twice to shoot and explode. Defendant Tan knew guns were banned and dangerous weapons, but he refused to “hold” the gun for Tuan and took the gun to hide. As for defendant Binh, although he did not use or store it, he did transport the gun for Binh to test shoot.
The Provincial People’s Court sentenced defendant Tuan to 2 years in prison for “Illegal possession and trading of military weapons”; Defendant Ty was sentenced to 1 year and 3 months in prison for the above crime; Defendant Tan was sentenced to 1 year and 3 months in prison for “Illegal possession of military weapons”. Defendant Binh was given a 1-year suspended sentence for “Illegal transportation of military weapons”, probation for 2 years.
The case shows that criminals take advantage of cyberspace to trade, communicate, and illegally buy and sell military weapons. Most of them do not have stable jobs, lack care and education from their families; have social friendships so they are ready to “help” regardless of mistakes when asked…
NGUYEN HUNG
